Activity Cards

Join OC Parks and Laguna Canyon Foundation Staff and Volunteers for a special Open House event where you’ll get a behind the scenes look at two native plant nurseries dedicated to the restoration of the South Coast Wilderness. You’ll have the opportunity to visit both Laguna Canyon Foundation’s Native Plant Nursery and the OC Parks Native Plant Nursery at the Willow Staging Area. This is an Open House format where you will be able to explore both nurseries freely!

During the event, you’ll be guided through the nurseries, learning firsthand how native plants are grown and used to support local ecosystems. Fun, hands-on activities and crafts for all ages will be available, along with expert advice on caring for native plants at home. Plus, you’ll gain insight (and even some experience!) into the important restoration efforts happening right here in your community and discover ways to get involved. This is a free, family-friendly event open to everyone. Come spend the day with us learning, exploring, and celebrating nature!

Locations:

•  Laguna Canyon Foundation’s Native Plant Nursery- Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters (10 Phillips St. Laguna Beach, CA 92651, East side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road).

• OC Parks Nursery at the Willow Staging Area, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (West side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just south of El Toro Road). Walk along Willow Road to find the nursery.

Parking: Parking is available at both nursery sites. Parking at Laguna Coast Wilderness Park (Willow Staging Area and Big Bend Staging Area) is $3/car per day. Parking is free at Laguna Canyon Foundation Headquarters. Please park legally and responsibly. Parking is limited; carpooling is encouraged.

Safety precautions and protocols:

• Registration is not required, but is preferred. Register online here.

• To protect all employees, volunteers, and participants, please do not attend if you are not feeling well, have symptoms of illness, or have been in contact with someone who was ill.

Contact volunteer@lagunacanyon.org with any questions.

Weather, including high temperatures and wet or muddy trail conditions, may lead to cancellation of this event.

This is the required orientation for new volunteers wishing to volunteer with Irvine Ranch Conservancy. Currently, Irvine Ranch Conservancy manages volunteer opportunities on nearly 30,000 acres of land in Orange County in partnership with OC parks, The City of Irvine and The City of Newport Beach. Volunteers may volunteer for activities in hiking, mountain biking, equestrian programs as well as stewardship, native seed farm, trail work and fire prevention teams.

The orientation is designed to introduce you to Irvine Ranch Conservancy as an organization and its many volunteer opportunities, as well as volunteer policies and procedures – including training requirements.

Before attending an orientation, applicants must first attend an IRC-led public activity and submit a completed application/attendance form. You will receive information on how to do this after filling out the online interest form.

To find out more about volunteering for Irvine Ranch Conservancy and to submit an online interest form, please click the below link:

https://letsgooutsideorg.kinsta.cloud/volunteer/trained-volunteers/irvine-ranch-conservancy/volunteer-application/

Those who submit a completed application/attendance form will be invited to register for upcoming orientations.

Irvine Ranch Conservancy typically has orientations two times per year (Spring and Fall). Dates may change and those who have a completed application on file will be invited to future orientations as they open for registration.

Ride through historic Weir Canyon and reflect on Orange County’s rich history of transportation trails in this area. This trail is part of the storied trail route that oxen teams traveled on during the 1800s carrying hides to market in San Juan Capistrano. Weir Canyon was home to the largest and healthiest oak woodlands in the county. Many of the oaks are now scarred from fire. Rejoice in the new growth and restored areas in the canyon as the area heals.

You will need to transport your own fit horse to the staging area. Equestrians with trail riding experience, a fit and able horse, and the ability to trailer to the staging area are welcome to join the ride. Owners of unshod horses, please note that footing may include areas of gravel and pavement.

Please review the Difficulty Ratings  before registering. Understanding the 1-through-5 ratings system will help you evaluate your readiness to participate in this level-2 activity on the land.